Cat Safety: The Dangers of Antifreeze
Published date: 07 February 2025
There are many hidden hazards for our cats in the outside world. During winter, anti-freeze poses a particular risk to our feline friends.
Understanding this danger and the signs of poisoning will help you keep your cat safe.
What is Anti-Freeze?
During cold, icy weather, many people will use anti-freeze products in their cars and sometimes even in their water features. This engine coolant prevents the radiators in cars from freezing or overheating.
This product is water-based but also contains liquid alcohols, such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol and methanol.
Cats, unfortunately, can and will drink from contaminated puddles and water sources containing the compound. Even in small doses, these ingredients are extremely hazardous to our cats’ health.
Why Will Cats Drink Anti-Freeze?
Given that cats have the reputation of being ‘fussy’ (watch our video on the Fussy Cats), it seems odd they would choose to lick engine coolant.
Ethylene glycol is an odourless, colourless liquid which has a slightly sweet taste. Now our feline friends cannot taste (at least not to the full extent) sweet ingredients, however, something in this compound is attractive to them.
Many cats will also drink from outside running water sources, leading to accidental poisoning. It is not recommended to add this anti-freeze to any water feature. As it can damage certain materials and poses a huge risk to pets and wildlife.
What are the symptoms of Anti-Freeze Poisoning?
The smallest amount of anti-freeze can be fatal to our cats. The chemicals will ultimately result in severe damage to the kidneys and other internal organs.
Time is crucial when faced with suspected anti-freeze poisoning. If you suspect your cat has ingested something toxic, do not hesitate and take them to the vet immediately.
Here are the common signs of toxicity:
- Unwillingness to eat
- Weakness and fatigue
- Drooling
- Being unsettled
- Appearing wobbly or uncoordinated
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Thirst
Cats that have ingested anti-freeze and don’t receive veterinary attention within 12 hours are at increased risk of passing away. After this time, you will likely see worsening signs of kidney disease, resulting in extreme lethargy and seizures.
How is antifreeze poisoning treated?
After diagnosis, vets will treat quickly to reduce the chance of fatality. As the chemical ethylene glycol is rapidly absorbed into the body, vets may need to induce vomiting to get rid of the toxin.
With any toxin, if you have the packaging of the product handy, bring it to the vet to speed up treatment and diagnosis.
The best chance of recovery is thought to be within the first 8 hours of poisoning. Although this will differ greatly from case to case, depending on response to the treatment and the amount they ingested.
Some cats that survive the initial poisoning may end up with kidney conditions.
How to Protect Your Cat from Antifreeze?
It won’t be possible to completely protect your cat while they are wandering outside. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk to your furry friend and other pets.
- Be very careful not to spill anti-freeze when you are using it. If you do drop any, wipe it away carefully to avoid cats walking through it.
- Don’t leave antifreeze in an open container as animals may be attracted to it. Ensure your antifreeze is locked away somewhere secure.
- Check your car regularly for leaks.
- Switch to safer natural antifreeze.
- Use other methods to defrost your windscreen, such as scrapers or covers.
For more safety advice, read our Winter Safety Blog and our Guide to Poisonous Plants.
Let your neighbours and fellow pet owners know about the hidden dangers of antifreeze to make them more cautious about using it. Together, we can keep our pets and wildlife safe.
